For high school sweethearts Kari and Rob Ravizza, relocating back to the Burdekin to take over McCathies Furniture Plus was an opportunity to re-immerse themselves in their hometown. Both Rob and Kari grew up in Ayr, where they first met at their casual jobs at Big Rooster (now Red Rooster). Their path has taken many twists and turns and it’s ironic that, after their romance blossomed in the workplace, they have gone on to embark on an incredible journey of business together.
Although Kari would help out at the family business while growing up, she went on to study a Bachelor of Education and work as a teacher for 20 years. Meanwhile, Rob completed his apprenticeship at Pioneer Mill where he continues to work today as an Engineering Superintendent. Kari says all of her past jobs have helped her in the business. Despite the steep learning curve, she says she’s loved every minute of taking on the role of McCathies Furniture Plus Managing Director in 2013.
“Amongst other things, I have learnt how to drive a furniture truck, unload a semi-trailer full of heavy furniture, assemble furniture in record time and drive a forklift,” Kari said. “Being a small business, I get to do everything from the ordering, paying bills, assembling furniture and delivering to our customers.”
McCathies Furniture Plus is an independent furniture store, with a continued focus on sourcing the best products with the best value while providing the best service. With a unique range of products not found in larger retail stores, Kari finds satisfaction in offering exclusive ranges and the business has the power to make decisions on the quality and products sold.
“If we don’t have what our customers are looking for, we will do our best to find it for them,” Kari said.
Passionate about the Burdekin, McCathies Furniture Plus proudly support local community clubs and organisations through sponsorship, donations of money or products or donating time by assisting at events. It’s the community in which they’ve raised their children Chelsea, 20 and Jye, 16, and where their two dogs, Minus and Holly, rule their home. With ties to the Burdekin running so deep, returning to the region was an opportunity for Kari and Rob to reconnect while they continued to grow the business that Kari’s parents and grandparents had poured so much of themselves into before her.
“It is so very important to me to continue the legacy my Grandparents started,” Kari said. “To uphold their values of honesty and integrity, where giving back to the local community is always at the heart of everything we do.
“Thank you to our amazing customers over the past 50 years. You are the reason we are here and what drives us to continue to improve and provide the best service and products we possibly can!”
Kari and Rob Ravizza
L-R Jye Ravizza, John and Lyndy McCathies, Kari, Rob and Chelsea Ravizza
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